For a team that typically avoids free agency like the plague, the signing of Peppers represents the most notable transaction since the acquisition of Charles Woodson back in 2006.

Then again, Peppers was not truly an unrestricted free agent after being released by the Chicago Bears. A frequently overlooked aspect of free agency, and one that Packers general manager appears to keep in mind in his approach is the compensatory draft choice equation that rewards teams for losing more free agents to other NFL teams than they sign from other teams (of comparable value).

After losing Evan Dietrich-Smith to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday, the Packers are setting themselves up to receive a late-round draft choice, assuming they don't sign another unrestricted free agent. The addition of Peppers will not change that.

According to Anderson, the Peppers deal is for a maximum of $30 million, including $7.5 million guaranteed and $8.5 million in total first-year salary.

The contract is structured in such a way that if Peppers flops, the Packers can cut him in Years 2 or 3 and have little dead money count against the salary cap. By putting the majority of money in the first season, it also gives the team salary-cap flexibility beyond 2014.

Peppers is 34 years old and saw declining production this past season for the Chicago Bears. His seven sacks are the fewest since 2007 when he had only 2.5 in 14 games with the Carolina Panthers, but he's just two years removed from a season in which he had 11.5 sacks in 2012.

From an injury standpoint, Peppers is almost never hurt. The two games missed in '07 were the only two he's missed in the last 11 seasons.

The signing of Peppers marks a significant shift in philosophy for the Packers defense under defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his 3-4 scheme.

Peppers has always been most effective as an end in a 4-3 system, but being utilized as a pass-rushing outside linebacker in the Packers' nickel and dime subpackages would not be a huge difference.

One possibility for the Packers is to run some sort of hybrid 3-4/4-3 system, featuring man principles on one side of the center and zone on the other.

Whatever happens, Peppers conceivably improves the team's pass rush, which features a variety of sub-300 lb. bodies: Mike Daniels, Datone Jones, Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Mike Neal, Jerel Worthy and others. The possbilities in specialized subpackages such as Capers' "Psycho" that feature only one player in a three-point stance are intriguing.

On the other hand, the Packers' front seven is starting to become relatively smallish with the exception of B.J. Raji, which could be a dentriment in goal-line in short-yardage packages. The possiblity of re-signing players such as Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly, however, can't be ruled out. And Josh Boyd is another emerging player along the defensive line.

The emergence of the "Elephant" end position in Green Bay appears to be more realistic by the day, especially in light that the Packers apparently had interest in Justin Tuck in free agency. Peppers, Perry and Neal all seem to fit the mold of a potential "Elephant" end.

The addition of Peppers certainly lessens the need for the Packers to find a pass rusher, at least in the first few rounds of the NFL draft. The Packers should be focused on adding talent in the back seven, particularly at safety and inside linebacker. With an improved pass rush, there will be a lot less pressure on a rookie safety.

After the signing of Peppers, the Packers are about $17 million under the 2014 salary cap, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, still leaving space to come to extensions with wide receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, but there likely be little room after that.

Among the Packers' own still on the market are Pickett, wide receiver James Jones, tight end Jermichael Finley, fullback John Kuhn, running back James Starks and quarterback Matt Flynn.

Peppers will be reunited with Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac, who was his defensive line coach or coordinator from 2002 to 2008.

After the Packers' loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the wildcard round of the playoffs in January, cornerback Tramon Williams talked about adding veterans to the team, and Peppers certainly does that, entering his 13th season in the NFL in 2014.

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Brian Carriveau is the author of the book "It's Just a Game: Big League Drama in Small Town America," and editor of Cheesehead TV's "Pro Football Draft Preview." To contact Brian, email [email protected].

Haven't heard anything from Cow since CHTV went to the new format. My guess is he can't figure out the login. Or he hasn't figured out that you need to put your full handle in the "first name" section for it to show up as your handle.

Peppers won't be asked to do everything for the Packers. In fact, I hope they cut his snaps from the 80% I read he logged last year. If they line him up the vast majority of the time as a traditional 3-4 DE and ask him to two-gap a lot, I think he will look like a "crusty turd".

OTOH, he's still a freakish athlete and he certainly does give them another piece to move around on defense. Like many of their other front 7 defenders. It's just way too obvious that the front 7 on defense is staffed in a manner that screams they should be "more multiple" with formations and personnel groupings. They can really keep offenses guessing and then have the talent to exploit wrong guesses.

You're so full of shit it ain't funny. Nobody predicts a star player will get hurt when making predictions. Rogers wasn't the only key player to get hurt either. As usual you lose. 62-0 I'm so far ahead of you, you think you're 1st. Why don't you just quit posting your useless dribble, crawl back in your corner, and move to a 3rd world country where you'll have no access to a computer and internet access.

This made too much to sense not to happen. The news caused a tear to roll down my face. Now,I do worry about rush-D (as of now),but that might/should be addressed via the draft. I can't wait to see Clay,Peppers,Neal and Daniels to get after QB's from all types of angles.

I have been bashing TT on ever site I can. But this move showed me TT has balls. Aggressive move for a 34yo player but these moves can change the personality of your defense. Congrats Mr. Thompson. Well done. Go Pack!!!!!!!!!!!

me too.......
Jared Allen has 71 sacks the last 5 years. Peppers has 48. (clay, 50) Allen is also 2-3 years younger than peppers. He also has more passion and that ever so important motor.

After a flawless beginning to free-agency, this is back to back mistakes by Ted. The 1st mistake was letting the tax rate between FLA & WI be the difference in insuring the protection and availability of the entire franchise, Aaron Rodgers.

This is OUTSTANDING NEWS for Packer fans. He is a LEGIT pass rusher. With a healthy Worthy, Perry, Hawk, Matthews and now Peppers, this is outstanding news for fans concerned about improving our D. If we can get some help in the secondary via the draft, this team has a REAL SHOT at something special next season. For all those who BASH TT by sitting on his heals, this should be applauded.

We all realize that he would have lead the Packers in sacks last year right?

But, that isn't even that best part of this signing. He has the length to actually hold his ground at DE in the 3-4, and is actually a very good run defender and very good at creating opertunites for others to get pressure.

But, even that isn't even that best part of this signing. He is an excellent leader with the clout to get guys to listen to what he has to say. This is his last shot to win a SuperBowl, he is a drop in relpacement for the void of leadership created when Woodson left.

I really like it. Now just get an above replacement Safety, and my waining confidence will be restored.

Most importanly, TT can take Mike Trgovac's word on Peppers. Trgovac was his DC in Carolina for a while. TT can get the whole unvarnished story that might not make its way into the press due to professional discretion.

TT recently said he values the locker room and tries to be careful about who he brings into it. He watches from the sidelines in preseason to see how guys interact with each other. It's a big deal to him that the locker room is a healthy environment.

So we know the Packers are very concerned about what kind of teammates they bring in. They know exactly what they're bringing in with Peppers.

Thank you!!! I don't know how some could even imagine a 6 foot 7 290 pound outside linebacker. Barring a horrible draft (and injuries of course),Dom Capers has NO EXCUSE not to have a damn good defense. I wonder how this affects our draft board,if at all. Ahhhh,I want to talk Packers all day.

Yep. Peppers is like a slightly taller Watt (who is 6'5", 289 pounds). I'm very curious to see what he can do at DE.

In general I'm not a huge fan of big free agency signings, and for sure this could be Hardy Nickerson 2.0, but this deal seems like it has a huge amount of potential upside, while the cost or potential downside seems very manageable. I'm pretty pumped about this.

Hardy Nickerson was totally miscast as an MLB. We was a smaller, very fast attacking player. In the Packers 2002 4-3 the MLB needed to be a big thumper. Julius Peppers is a perfect 3-4 DE. I'm not sure why Brian is saying he will be the Elephant End, or an OLB when their are other guys much better suited to that position. Peppers is going to play a JJ Watt, Justin Smith type roll. He should be the 3 down lineman they have been looking for since Cullen Jenkins left.

I agree with everything other than the 3-down lineman part. He is up in age and I think the reason behind his subpar season with the Bears came from his increased snap count. They had injuries up and down that D-Line. Don't get me wrong,I think he could play run downs as well,but let's not pretend we have the Peppers from the SB contender Panthers.

By three down player I mean capable of playing in all of the packages, not necessarily every downs. Peppers did play 81.7% of the Bears Defensive snaps in 2013, and he had 5.5 sacks in the second part of the season. I think his increase came from losing Melton for the year and McClellin not really being a three down player.

different factors of course,but he doesn't need to be "The Man" here. He should see more one-on-one match-ups here as well. Keep Peppers fresh throughout the entire season. No need for him to be an every down lineman at this stage of his career. It takes a toll.....

Awareness is more important than length. Understanding scheme is more important than length. Quickness is more important than length. Agility is more important than length. Explosiveness is more important than length. Anticipation is more important than length. Strength is more important than length. Technique is more important than length. Preparation & study is more important than length. Speed is more important than length. Effort is more important than length.

None of the above vital attributes can work against you. But length can. In the trenches, who ever stays lower usually wins. It's tough to get good pad level when your 6'7".

But let's all just pretend that length is a main determining factor on whether somebody can play. Bryan Bulaga can't play offensive tackle. His arms are to short. Mike Daniels, Josh Boyd, BJ Raji, TJ Lang, and Datone Jones.....No Good, Short Arms.

This is why there's such little point in mock drafts prior to free agency. A week ago, most of us wanted any variety of Clinton-Dix, Pryor, Louis Nix, Aaron Donald, or Eric Ebron in round 1. Now what? Well, now that we resigned Shields, it appears Micah Hyde is headed for SS. Might be a great fit. Raji's contract gives us less of a need for that big body run stuffer (assuming he fills his potential), retaining Quarless (even though I'm not sold on him) maybe makes Ebron less important? And now Peppers. Now what do we with round 1? Trade it down!! LOL!

Scary thought. What if the Bears know something about Peppers the Pack don't and we know something about MD Jennings the bears don't. I say LOL but were paying a lot for our side of the joke.

Now, I would love us to get the shore up middle linebacker or that shut down corner or safety but there is a guy named Cook. Ran a 4.3 40, cut's on a dime and catches the ball. As the analyst said, he is scary good.

I say, lets take him as our 1 and put him and Cobb on the field together with Jordy going deep. It would be like having two Percy Harvins coming at you at the same time.
Not enough defenders to even come close to covering these guys and also accounting for Lacy coming at you. This would be fun to see.

Cooks is a much more proven and established WR prospect coming out of college. He is thee most explosive player in the entire draft. He is quicker, more agile, more explosive, & more than "slightly" faster than Randall Cobb as far as top end speed.

Cobb was a late 1st, early 2nd round prospect.
Cooks is a solid 1st round prospect in "ANY" draft.

I agree with this signing. I was hoping for a DE to compliment Mathews. I hope that's what they have in mind for Peppers. He should have at least 1 Good year, if not 2 left in him, unless we don't know something, & I doubt that. The way this contract is structured, it could be a 1 year deal, without much of a hit to the Pack. $8 Mill for a good DE, If that's what I read for the 1st year is a bargain. I would think this addition alone, will help the secondary. It's what we've been missing for a quality Pass Rush. Get 1 good IL yet & I'll be Happy. Oh yeah, Bring JJ back as well. He's worth what he will cost. JMO

He came a block away from the bearsstillsuck winning the NFCN. If that would have been Manning in the pocket he would have went down. Rodgers got out of their quick and hit Cobb. Now I gotta go crow hunting for cowpie.

Exciting move even though hes 34, at least it tells me TT and company are serious about improving the defense.

Now they just need to sign Devin Hester and the draft awaits to fill other needs.

Since released players don't count against the comp pick equation, maybe TT needs to sign a Roman Harper or Thomas Decoud at safety who were released by the Saints and Falcons. Good a good vet to play and maybe mentor Hyde and Burnett and any rookies they add to the position.

Peppers should be highly motivated. He played on one of the worst defenses in Bears history last year. With Rodgers on his team instead of Cutler he has a chance of getting to the big dance. One big piece of the puzzle, now strengthen the middle.

Also having Mathews next to him commanding a lot of attention it should open things up for Peppers. Which now with Mathews and Peppers getting a lot of attention it should open up more for the other guys.

I may have missed this part in your myriad of comments, but who is/are the free agent(s) we should have signed instead? Seriously, I'm just curious as to your thoughts on this. Like everybody, I wanted Jairus Byrd, but we all knew the Pack wouldn't spend that kind of money.

There are some guys in our price range that I want(ed) to see, though. Buffalo paid Brandon Spikes $3.25 mil. this year. Tell me how spending $3.26 mil on this guy wouldn't be an upgrade over Brad Jones.

Although I don't watch the Ravens a lot, I'd like to see James Ihedigbo come to town.

I don't see Peppers as a "high profile," "blockbuster" type signing at all like the press is portraying. $26 million guaranteed to Aqib Talib is a high profile blockbuster signing.

We basically gambled $8 million on a 1 year upgrade to the D line pass rush. Even with his eroded skills, I think this is still an upgrade to the pass rush DE position opposite Clay, which has been MIA since we let Cullen walk. It's probably not an upgrade against the run, but IMO it doesn't need to be. I think he'll be rotated out in obvious run sets. And yes, I'm well aware that our D still needs help (safety big time, ILB, another D lineman, OLB depth).

The Pack not only has the cap space, but they are well run from the business side and profitable. It shouldn't be that painful to throw out a one year, $8 mil gamble. I like it.

Peppers takes the versatility of their front 7 to a level that can be very effective if used correctly. Guys like Perry, Neal and Peppers can play with their hands up or down. That means they can show anything from 1-4 man DL fronts as a situation might dictate. They can play the 3-4/4-3 hybrid defense. They can play a traditional 3 man DL with 3 guys with a little NT in them for run situations. If they are really going to be "more multiple" on defense, this FA season has surely given Capers the tools to do exactly that.

There is still plenty of cap room to sign another player to help the back middle of the defense. I'd like to see ILB. I'd happily settle for a Safety. Both would be better but I feel greedy for advocating for one more FA signing. But helping the back middle of the defense prior to the draft would really free them up to follow where ever their draft board takes them.

The cap hit for Peppers for this year is estimated to be $5.25 million, leaving around $15.7 or so. Subtract $2-3 million for draft choices, and GB has around $13 million left. GB likes to keep quite a bit, plus need to extend several current players. TT surprised me by signing Peppers. I suppose we could afford one more mid-tier FA. If TT likes an ILB or S, maybe. Not sure who is left among ILB. At S, Clemons I suppose. I am not sure if TT is waiting on Clemons or is just done. TT might even look at TE or other position still. Time will tell.

I have looked around for information on the salary details without finding anything firm. JS Online and Green Bay Gazette are reporting a cap hit for 2014 of $3.5. Overthecap.com reported an estimated cap hit of $5.25 million for 2014. It has been consistently reported that Peppers will receive $8.5 Million in 2014, with $7.5 guaranteed, 3 years and $30 million max. One way for Peppers to actually receive $8.5 million in the first year and still count only $3.5 on the cap is for the $7.5 million to be a signing bonus with $2.5 million therefore counting against the 2014 cap, plus $1million base. That would leave $5 million in dead money if cut after one year. But, the details should come out in a day or two, and I am not here to argue about whether it is a roster bonus or some other structure. I too would love to see TT sign Clemons (cheap). I am just trying to see if GB can still afford Clemons at safety, or some other FA.

I remember the Packers signing this 6'7" 275lb. 32 yr. old 11 yr. vet back in 1994. He was able to balance a rush for the other old guy who was then 33 yrs. old. Turned out pretty well back then.

People worried about JP's age need not worry. The traits of a defensive lineman aren't affected by age as say a linebacker, corner or safety. These guys play in a confined space and don't need to cover ground like the skill area players on a defense. Plenty of defensive linemen (good ones at that) have played in to their mid to late 30's and have been very productive. For example, Michael Strahan was 36 when he won his only championship. That year he had 9 sacks and 57 total tackles. In his 8th year, argubly the prime of his career, he had 9 sacks in 16 games. This notion that Peppers is washed up and will be ineffective is shallow thinking and ignores data and history of the position.

Additionally, the idea Peppers won't be asked to rush from the edge or drop as the Bronco or Final 3 player on firezones completely ignores the fact he was doing this last year under Mel Tucker. Peppers is a rare specimen even at 34. Goes to show why he was the 2nd overall pick in 2002. One of his best skill sets is his ability to jump backside on zone blocks (i.e. short stick) toward him and have the quickness to disrupt the POA.

Peppers will be used as a 5 tech in the base Under alignments, as a 3 tech in any Over fronts, as a a wide 5 in any 4 down lineman looks and as a 3 tech in the nickel. He will drop in firezones and he will rush. The only thing you might see is a reduction in snaps to preserve longevity but that is a stretch when you consider his overall relative health throughout his career.

This is a fantastic signing by Thompson because it is better than average value considering the terms of the contract. It has more upside than downside. At worst it is a 1 year rental on the cheap considering the caliber of athlete. Signing EDS to a similar deal as he received in Tampa Bay would have been a terrible deal. The fan that wants Ted to spend on every possible mid-level free agent doesn't understand that by doing so you aren't necessarily getting value compared to all of the other factors considered including the draft. Thompson is the best at managing the cap to keep the team viable. It would be great to sign a Reggie White caliber player but those guys don't exist anymore because teams lock those guys up. I would have loved to see Byrd in the secondary but he's not worth 9 million a year just as EDS is not worth 3.5 per year with half of the contract guaranteed. Peppers is definitely worth the 7.5 and 3.5 he'll count against the cap this year. Watch for the Packers to bolster the middle of the defense this year through the draft. Mosely or Dix are the best to address the Packers soft middle. Pryor is fine but Dix is a better middle field safety which is what the Packers need since the Packers are best when they run a fair amount of single high shell.

No but it has more to do with how the salary cap works and what is available in the draft. Safety is deep this year. There are few good corners this year. Besides, while it averages out to this, it really comes down to cap hit and possible dead money should either be released. Both are comparable in terms of dead money but the Saints have to ride the train longer as compared to Packers. If after year 2 Shields is playing up to his contract the Packers may be incline to pay him the 12 million he'll count against the cap. If he's not the Packers will ask him to restructure and take less in base salary. If he refuses he'll be released and the Packers will be left with 6.25 million in dead money and take a cap hit in 2016. But remember, the cap is projected rise and with the money Thompson usually carries over from year to year it may be negligible. The Saints on the other hand will be on the hook for the guaranteed money owed to Byrd through 2017 as he gets 26 million in guaranteed money. If they release him they will have 4.4 million in dead money for 2017. This may hurt a team like the Saints who seem to be near the top of the cap. Both Byrd and Shields are most likely going to play half of the length of their contracts (3 of 6 for Byrd and 2 of 4 for Shields). In two years what will the incoming draft class of corners look like? What will the safeties look like? So to answer your question...no Shields isn't a 9.75 million corner in terms of talent. In terms of familiarity, productivity, draft classes, cap management etc. it was a much better move than signing Byrd.

Apparently the packers do. He's been there from the start, they know what they have as a player what type of guy he is in and out of the locker room. If they didn't sign him he would've been gone. Young fast and entering his prime. He should only get better. He's proven he can cover the big NFCN receivers.

EDS was not only worth $3.5/year, but $4.5 million / year. For 2 years.

Center's are vital and hard to come by. EDS was 8th best in the NFL, and improving with more upside to be had. The packers have Zero centers & nobody with any real experience at the position. Their primary fall-back is a guy without a snap in the NFL, who's never played center, and is already returning from injury.

Offering EDS an extra few hundred thousand a year could have gone a long way in ensuring the health & the foreseeable future of the franchise, who is Aaron Rodgers.

Not bringing EDS back is a mistake. At best, a drop off of play at center and possibly RG. At worst, when Aaron Rodgers and Ted Thompson sustain a career-ending injury.

Signing Julius Peppers won't prove to be a mistake. But signing him instead of Jared Allen very well could.

Dix and Mosely are not the best options in shoring up the middle of the Packer's defense.

I believe they have drafted at least one OL every year of Thompson's tenure. As they should. 5 OL play every down. With normal roster turnover, there is always the need to keep young talent coming into the system.

I don't expect 2014 will be any different despite 5 guys with previous starting experience and a couple of youngsters that may yet prove to be decent players.

Thompson's tendency is to draft a T in the 4th-5th round and convert him to G or C if they can't play T. It is almost a guarantee that he will draft an o-lineman in the draft somewhere, but probably in the middle rounds.
He has had some good luck in the 4th round so I can see him drafting one in the 4th round again this year.

Stroh,
Why would he take a 2 year deal over a 4 year deal. To make more than $3.5 million / year? To stay home where he's built up a good working relationship and is familiar with the system. To free himself up for another payday in 2 years, most likely giving him extra career payday. OR to win a farging Championship!, maybe?
5 good reasons, but for Stroh's sake let's just go with that "makes no sense" or that's "asinine."

#1) 2 year, $4.5 million / year, $7.25 guaranteed
(When in 2 years you'll be a 29 year old FA in line for a much bigger pay day. Where you know the scheme inside and out with one of the greatest QB's to ever play the game. On an annual Superbowl favorite)

"EDS is decent but gets overpowered too easily. Did pretty well pass blocking but his run blocking left something to be desired!"

He's the 8th ranked center in the entire league. Does he have to be top 5 to be considered not "decent."?

(You do know we just rushed for 230 more yards than we have in a decade with a rookie at left tackle and an 1 year undrafted Free agent at right tackle.)

EDS is quicker, more agile, and stronger than Tretter. EDS is 27, the same age as Lang. Yet somehow EDS is "as good as he'll ever be," while Tretter, "has all upside" at a position he's never played, on a level he's never played at. Weird.

The biggest difference between EDS and Tretter may be their dependability. EDS never misses a game, Tretter has missed all of them.

But for the record I don't think not resigning EDS is a "big" mistake. I think tretter and Barclay could both one day be as good as EDS is right now. Just not in the next 1.5 years and quite possibly ever. A mistake on par with signing Julius Peppers instead of the younger and much more productive Jared Allen.

The packers have to game plan against Peppers twice a year. They know his strengths pretty well. I have to believe the will utilize him to the best of his ability. He brings a lot of intangibles to this defense. No matter how it works out , it is definitely work the risk of signing him. Thanks Mr. Thompson . Go Pack

Reggie was a better player. No doubt. He was far more consistently dominant that Peppers ever was.

But the comparison between Peppers and Reggie is a good one, IMO. Reggie was an athletic freak of nature, just like Peppers. That Reggie played well deep into the back half of his 30s suggests that Peppers can as well. I'm not expecting Peppers to gain consistency he hasn't shown previously. But I am expecting he can still flash dominance like he has done throughout his career.

I got on a Bears site to read the comments from the bear fans about Peppers. I read what I expected. A bunch of sour grapes comments. One guy said he was over paid. I guess he doesn't realize he counts more against the Bears cap this year than the Packers cap.

Quote

"I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious."